Letter 3013: I count it a personal credit that you've announced your long-desired return.

I count it to my own credit that you have announced your readiness to undertake the longed-for return. But I am sorely afraid that this zeal of yours may be hindered by the refusal of a lodging; and I beg you to take in good part my wish on your behalf, of which you may be assured. For I call the gods to witness that these houses, one of which you have requested, were long ago assigned by me to guests. I ask you therefore to lend your trust to my oath, you who ought to have believed even my intention alone, and to hurry back in haste to your own dwelling. For indeed the house which formerly satisfied you when, in the ambition of your years, you were young and dwelling there with your children, ought not to offend your aged moderation now that it has been distributed among your sons in other houses. Farewell. 15.

In meo aere duco, qnod te adornare optatum reditum nuntiasti. scd male metuo, ne boe stndium tni negatio habitationis impediat; quam peto, ut in bouam partem voti o erga te mei eertus accipias. deos enim facio testes, has domus, quamm alteram po- stulasti, iamdudum a me hospitibns esse decretas. quaeso igitur, nt sacramento com- modes fidem, qni vel animo tantum meo credere debuisses, et in aedes tnas festinns recnrras. siqnidem domns, quae tibi prins ambitioso per aetatem inventae et habi- tanti cum liberis satisfecit, senilem moderationem distribntis in alias domns filiis non 10 debet offendere. vale. * XV.